The following are notes from Condoleezza Rice’s global perspective at the 11th annual J.P. Morgan / Robin Hood Investors Conference took place on October 24 and 25, 2023.
Global Perspective: Condoleezza Rice (Hoover Institution)
- Condoleezza Rice (Hoover Institution) was interviewed by Ken Griffin (Citadel) and stated that supporting Ukraine is necessary to stop Putin and send a message to China.
- Some Republicans and Democrats are wrong to be isolationist.
- China is monitoring the commitment to Ukraine and we were not strong regarding Hong Kong.
- Xi Jinping knows his military is corrupt and can see current demotions. The question is how much he trusts an invasion. China is working on undermining Taiwan and its people rather than invading.
- Admitting Ukraine to NATO would require a Senate vote which will be tough. The Black Sea may need to be internationalized, which can be very dangerous. Putin managed to end Swedish passivity and German neutrality.
- Xi’s speech saying China would surpass the US technologically was dumb and it led to restrictions. China is strong in EV and solar but less so in generative AI.
Re the Middle East:
- The US cannot micromanage Israel’s response. The administration was optimistic given normalization with Saudis, but all changed. Iran equips and funds for disruption. Israel must stop Hamas’s ability to do it again, which might be tough as they hide behind civilians. This will take time and hard to maintain international support.
Iran:
- Iran is not very strategic, just disruptive. Their overall goal is to dominate the Middle East. There are no moderates in Iran and none in power. They are cowards when confronted. Wait till under 30’s have more voice as they don’t support the government.
Space:
Commercialization of space is providing significant opportunities, with Starlink being significant. The use of intelligence from the private sector is critical.
